Cysts are a common benign growth seen in dermatology. Treatment may or may not be recommended based on size, symptoms, and location. If inflamed, they may be treated with a steroid injection or oral antibiotics. Full removal of a cyst, however, warrants surgical excision. This is a minor out-patient procedure in which the area is numbed locally and the cyst is removed in its entirety. The removed lesion is always sent to the lab to confirm that it is indeed a benign cyst. Oftentimes, people can get recurrent cysts on their scalp, called Pilar Cysts, which are usually genetic. We commonly remove these in the office with a simple 20 minute surgical procedure. Pilar Cyst Removal.
When cysts are small and on the face, they are usually called “milia” cysts, and a quick extraction can be performed to remove them. This requires NO numbing, and in skilled hands, a simple lancet and comedone extractor usually does the trick!
Cysts and lipomas are common benign growths that can occur anywhere on the body. While they are generally harmless, they can be unsightly or cause discomfort, prompting some individuals to seek removal. Here’s a closer look at the procedures involved in removing cysts and lipomas.
Before removing a cyst or lipoma, a healthcare provider will assess the size, location, and symptoms associated with the growth. If the cyst or lipoma is small and not causing any discomfort, it may not require removal. However, if it is causing pain, interfering with daily activities, or is located in a highly visible area, removal may be recommended.
Surgical excision is the most common method used for removing cysts and lipomas. In this procedure, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and the cyst or lipoma is removed in its entirety. The removed lesion is then sent to a lab to confirm that it is benign. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and takes less than an hour. Patients can resume their normal activities soon after the procedure. However, they will need to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions on caring for the wound to prevent infection.
Pilar cysts are a type of cyst that commonly occurs on the scalp. They are usually genetic and can recur even after removal. Pilar cyst removal is a minor surgical procedure that is performed in the office. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and the cyst is removed in its entirety. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and patients can resume their normal activities soon after.
Milia cysts are small cysts that occur on the face. They do not require surgical removal but can be extracted using a simple lancet and comedone extractor. This is a quick procedure that can be done in the office without the need for local anesthetics. The healthcare provider will gently puncture the skin over the cyst and then use the extractor to push the contents out.